Journey for a Princess

by Margaret Leighton

14-year-old Elstrid, daughter of Alfred the Great, has grown up the overlooked, inept baby of the family. As she is swept up into the game of international struggle and politics, she makes a long journey, finds real love, and discovers her own strengths.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Medieval, Romance, Juvenile, Historical, Childrens

218 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1960

About the author

Born in Ohio, Margaret Leighton Carver was educated in France and Switzerland, and was graduated from Radcliffe College. After her husband's death in 1935, she moved to Santa Monica and began writing for young adults, both fiction and nonfiction.

Reviews

[Suzanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a kid, I LOVED this book. I can still tell you the exact shelf in the children's room of my local library it was on, because I checked it out so many times. For a couple years now I'd only been able to picture the cover but not remember the title, despite searching for it, so the day it suddenly popped into my head I immediately put in an inter-library loan request. Of course, when it finally came, it didn't come with a dust jacket and the cover I'd been so clearly picturing I didn't even get to see. I'd love to be able to own this book but unless I run across it at a library book sale, it's not happening.

It's kind of crazy how much of this book I so clearly remembered, even word for word, and pictured it all exactly as I did at 8 or however old I was when I first read it. It was just as enjoyable at 24 as it was then, and as my first foray into historical fiction I think it probably had a lot to do with my interest in history to this day.

This is a great book period, well-written and providing a well-researched and accurate idea of the history of the time, which is easily accessible for children but I found engaging as an adult as well. The "romance" is minimal and only adds to the story, about a princess' journey through which she grows up and finds her place in the world.

[Karen Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all-time favorite books from childhood and really introduced me to the pleasures of historical fiction. I still appreciate that my husband bought it for me for my birthday (years ago, at this point). I never get tired of rereading it.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confession: I didn't want to love this book. It was referenced in one of my book groups, and it sounded interesting, so I tracked it down through interlibrary loan... but I knew it was a very expensive, very hard to find title. I didn't want to fall in love with it, and never be able to have it on my bookshelves... which is exactly what happened. It's an absolutely lovely piece of historical fiction, following the story of one of King Alfred's daughters as she navigates the journey to adulthood, coming to terms with an arranged marriage, surviving Viking invasions, and going on a pilgrimage to Rome. It's just too old for E, I think, or I'd shove it into her hands now, while she has the chance to read it.

[Sena Public · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this book is heavily researched for characters, environment, and an overall feel that strikes me as incredibly realistic. This book is aimed at mature younger readers, but can be enjoyed by anyone because of its authentic feel and nuanced narrative.

The only drawback is that this book is currently out of print and used copies can sell for over a hundred dollars. Definitely to be enjoyed through your library if at all possible!

[Christina Baehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dragon of Wessex and the Lion of Flanders!

If that makes your heart sing, as it did mine, then you will love this book as much as I did. This makes a wonderful companion to Hodges' The Marsh King, one of my favourite reads of the last 2 years, and Merkle's The White Horse King, which I'm currently reading. Centred around Alfred's youngest daughter, it is not a heavy read and it will be perfect for my daughters from the age of about 10-12.

I read it on Open Library and will be hunting for a real copy from now.

[CLM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous historical fiction about Alfred the Great's daughter, destined for a marriage of state. How can she show the courage necessary for one of her lineage as she leaves Britain for France to face her unknown bridegroom?

This is more or less a sequel to Judith of France, although takes place many years later. Leighton must have loved the earlier book to return to it long afterwards.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sort of "companion" book to Judith of France. Very good!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book as a child of 12. I picked it up from our local library and was so upset that I had to return it. I loved this story and it stayed with me well into adulthood when I ran across a copy on E-Bay and could not prevent myself from purchasing it. Reading it again, I can attest that it stands the test of time. It still pulled me in as though I was living in medieval Europe. It currently occupies a prominent space on my book shelves. I can't understand why this book is out of print. It would be a great historical fiction read for 5th to 8th graders. If I can, I hope to come across a copy for my nieces.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am incredibly lucky to have bought this amazing book by chance at a library sale. I think this is the fourth time I've read this book and I loved it just as much as the other times I read it.

The characters are wonderful, each distinct and lovable in their own way. Our own little Elstrid is a character that you can really root for and most people can relate to.

The plot is succinct and small plot twists are woven throughout the book.

A truly enjoyable piece of fiction and I will probably read it many times more in the future.

[Pearlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a young girl. It quickly became a favorite. As it was a library book, I had to keep taking it out. One day, the book vanished. Over the years I have tried to find a copy, but have had no success. I would dearly love to have my granddaughters read this story as it impacted my life considerably. I wish it had finally joined the e-book club but it seems not. If you have the opportunity to read this book, grab it. It is beyond wonderful.

[Dperry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first read this in middle school, I think (copyright 1960). It's a little glossy for the Middle Ages, but surprisingly realistic (highway men threaten, death strikes the company, geopolitical upheaval turns life around for Elstrid).

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a middle school student and have always had such a vivid memory of it.

[A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ran across this in late grade school, and checked it out from the library over and over. Then they discarded and sold it at the booksale, I missed the day they discarded it. I was a volunteer and part of my job was stamping discards. I could have set it aside and paid a buck for it.

Sadly, instead, I tracked it down years later and bought it for something like seventy dollars. But it was worth it.

Journey for a Princess is a fascinating look at pre-Norman invasion England and Europe during the late Dark Ages. Elstrid, as a princess, has a small amount of power on her own, but during her adventures, she learns how to wield what she has effectively, and her brave actions help her betrothed regain the lands the Northmen had captured from his father.

Elstrid is an ordinary girl in many ways - she is not gifted and is easily frightened. As a reader, I was easily able to identify with her when I was a child, and I still can today. Her discovery of her hidden strengths through adversity is inspiring, and her story is always worth a re-read. I look forward to reading the book to my daughter when she is old enough.

[Sep · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book before 1964 and loved it - great historical fiction. None of this 21st century female in a tunic and wimple. Miss Leighton introduced a Medieval heroine who is faced with great challenges and gradually rises to them all but totally in the context of a century where princesses' marriages were arranged, kings and dukes led their armies into the battlefields, and nearly everyone is unquestioningly devoted to the Catholic Church.

"Journey for a Princess' presents a great picture of pre-Conquest England and Medieval Europe. I loved the character of Judith who was the heroine's step-grandma, step-aunt, and ultimately mother-in-law. (Sounds like a country western song!)

On an emotional level, this story is also about a nervous, insecure adolescent who gains confidence, deals with difficulties, and, ultimately, triumphs.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the writing style--kept me up late at night reading--and I loved the clear cut picture Leighton gave of King Alfred's character and how well it accorded with what I've learned from Dr. George Grant and with Asser's biography. The story doesn't focus on King Alfred, but you come to love him through the events of the story. Probably my favorite thing about this book is the use of metaphors. (Slight spoiler alert..........................) The devil comes as an angel of light, and likewise the angel often inspires fear. It is this apparent mixing up of roles, supplemented with rumours and unlikely circumstances, that lead one to believe one character is the hero when he's actually the villain, and so on. And in the midst of this crazy masquerade, the only anchor, the only pointer star, is the irreproachable word of King Alfred. Good read aloud.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Describes the coming-of-age story of Elfrid, youngest daughter of Alfred the Great.

I read this book for the first time at about the same age as Elfrid (fourteen).

The story really resonated with me (and with many others, going by personal reviews on GoodReads, Amazon and elsewhere). Basically, Elfrid grows up, becoming mature enough to take her place in the adult world of her time and finding true love. She really felt like me.

I just loved this book. It's been out of print for a long time, but look at the Open Library website. They have a copy that you can check out and read online.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This library discard held me in the first few pages. This adventurous medieval tale is simple yet enchanting as the young heroine, Princess Elstrid, journeys across her homeland of England and into Rome where she meets friends, foes, and a valiant young prince. Though this book is written for younger audiences, the tale is captivating enough for readers of all ages, especially those who enjoy a good old fashioned coming of age story with the lure of handsome knights, kindly clergy, threatening Vikings, and a likable female protagonist who grows into a strong young woman.

[Kate Waterous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good medieval atmosphere. Read originally when young (in later grade school I think), my husband got me a copy as a special gift. I especially loved the description of domestic life and the first time she gets dressed up. Now that I've been in the SCA for a long time, the feel and descriptions feel very on point and true to the times.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute little book. A little over the top here and there, and a few elements were anachronistic (Michelangelo's St Peter's basilica, in the 9th century, anyone?), however it was an easy and relaxing read, and a perfect way to decompress after finals. A fine day's read.

[Allanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little historical story. Good amounts of adventure, a hint of romance. I really can't complain.

I'd buy my own copy if it weren't out of print.

[Myrna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was the first time I thought of a princess as an actual person, not just a happy-ever-after story.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book growing up. I read it so many times I nearly had it memorized.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the books that got me interested in Dark Age English history. I loved this book when I was in high school.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another read and re-read favorite. Shame on the library for discarding it. Oh, if I could find this book used, I'd be so happy! Princesses, Vikings, kidnappings, escapes, romance....

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been so long since I've read this. I know I loved it when I was younger. My sister knew how much I liked it and bought a copy for me. Need to pull it out and read it again.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this the first time when I was ten? I read it about every 5 or so years.

[Jessica Halberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book to read it once a year and it took over six months to find a copy

[Marisa Valle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book. I remember I first read it when I was in high school & I still re-read it ever so often. It's a classic.

[Kayli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really fun for a quick, one-time read. Although if I had read it at a younger age, I probably would have liked it even more. I'll let Hazel read it and see how she likes it.

[Suzannah Rowntree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyable historical fiction for young girls. Full review to come.